On 30 Mar 2018, a PIPER PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Dorris, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered off the runway during a touch-and-go, impacted sage brush, and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial rudder damage.
Incident Description
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while circling over the destination airport, she observed the windsock indicating light and variable wind conditions. After completing a touch-and-go landing, she added full power for takeoff. The airplane then veered to the right before correcting back toward the runway centerline, at which point it became briefly airborne. The airplane subsequently landed back on the runway, veered off to the left, struck sage brush, and came to rest inverted.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder as a result of the accident sequence.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot